Repubs Win in Virginia, New Jersey

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

A Republican Party that struggled in the wake of recent Democratic landslides sprang back to life Tuesday with wins in hotly contested races for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, according to CNN projections.

Posted by rcade at 11:27 PM | 123 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry

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rcade

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This is news?

#1 | Posted by briwo at 2009-11-03 09:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

Gov.(R)
Lt Gov.(R)
State Att. Gen.(R)

For only the second time in Va. history?

#2 | Posted by American1st at 2009-11-03 09:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Yep. It's news.

#3 | Posted by American1st at 2009-11-03 09:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Referendum on the Pelosi/Reid clusterfuck.

Go ahead.
Pass the bloated healthcare fiasco.
See what happens in the remaining 49 states in 2010.

#4 | Posted by NappyHeadedHo at 2009-11-03 09:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

Remaing *56* states...

~{:^)

#5 | Posted by American1st at 2009-11-03 09:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

*remaining*

Sheesh!

#6 | Posted by American1st at 2009-11-03 09:16 PM | Reply | Flag:

Tough for Dems to spin this one. Especially combined with the other races.

#7 | Posted by OohRah at 2009-11-03 09:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

36% precints in NJ and Christie has a 10 pt lead...

#8 | Posted by American1st at 2009-11-03 09:24 PM | Reply | Flag:

What kind of Republican is Gov.-elect McDonnell?

#9 | Posted by pragmatist at 2009-11-03 09:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

Dems can always blame Bush, blame Fox News, and pull the race card.

#10 | Posted by fwthom at 2009-11-03 09:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Dems can always blame Bush, blame Fox News, and pull the race card."

I beg to differ.

It IS all Bush's fault and Faux News.

Darn racists. : )

#11 | Posted by Lisa at 2009-11-03 09:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

It tells Me that this Country isn't ready to progress forward and that we are regressing as a Nation is all. It's sad but what can You do.

Larry

#12 | Posted by LarryMohr at 2009-11-03 09:30 PM | Reply | Flag:

What kind of Republican is Gov.-elect McDonnell?

From what I can find in articles from Goole hits, McDonnell looks to be pretty right of center (not a moderate), cast in the mold of "famiy values", marriage between a man and woman, anti-abortion, pro-capital punishment, anti-drug, pro-Second Amendment, anti-immigrant/pro-tight-
borders, etc. In short, he likely didn't get in due to some natural appeal to moderates.

#13 | Posted by NappyHeadedHo at 2009-11-03 09:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

It tells Me that this Country isn't ready to progress forward and that we are regressing as a Nation is all. It's sad but what can You do.

#12 | Posted by LarryMohr

Or, Larry, it could mean that many in the country are all for progressing forward, but just aren't on-board with the direction being foisted upon us by Pelosi & Reid without what many consider to be adequate debate and consideration. And having it done using the same-old-song-and-dance pork-barreling that seems to have accompanied every major bill in this Congress just makes it harder to get everyone on board. Forward yes, but to where? That's the question on the minds of many as they watch the news, even the few dozen who still watch it on CNN.

#14 | Posted by NappyHeadedHo at 2009-11-03 09:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

BWHAHAHAHAHAHA Too fucking funny. The same Right Wingers that bemoan Pork Barrel spending are the same folks with their G-d damned hands out when the Government is handing out the cash. Don't give Me that holier than thou against Pork barrel spending bullshit. They are all for it just the same. They will lie to You and say they aren't for it but they are.

Larry

#15 | Posted by LarryMohr at 2009-11-03 09:48 PM | Reply | Flag:

"From what I can find in articles from Goole hits, McDonnell looks to be pretty right of center (not a moderate), cast in the mold of "famiy values", marriage between a man and woman, anti-abortion, pro-capital punishment, anti-drug, pro-Second Amendment, anti-immigrant/pro-tight-
borders, etc. In short, he likely didn't get in due to some natural appeal to moderates."

Well, fuck. If he were a _real_ Republican, I"d be sort of excited.

#16 | Posted by pragmatist at 2009-11-03 09:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

It tells Me that this Country isn't ready to progress forward and that we are regressing as a Nation is all. It's sad but what can You do.

Larry

It tells me that if we're moving away from what YOU consider progress, we're still progressing. Millons of people who DON'T live in that giant grain silo they call Kansas, and who can focus on something more than their next meal say you're full of crap.

#17 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 09:58 PM | Reply | Flag:

Larry thinks there is no difference between repubs and dems. That's why he always votes dem.

#18 | Posted by HopeyChangey at 2009-11-03 10:00 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh, no, HopeyChangey, I think Larry is very clearly liberal and very clearly in favor of no more Republicans in positions of power. Not to speak for Larry.

And Cookfish, I don't understand your comment. Isn't Kansas flyover country? Don't the Republicans say that flyover country is where the real Americans (Republicans/conservatives) are found?

#19 | Posted by pragmatist at 2009-11-03 10:04 PM | Reply | Flag:

Sounds like another far right Christian. He will practice typical republican politics. Strip rights of workers. Fund more money to pvt schools away from public schools. Cut funds to social programs. Increase the use of the death penalty. Typical politician that wishes it was 1949 and not 2009

#20 | Posted by jackass at 2009-11-03 10:08 PM | Reply | Flag:

Larry @ #15: Still hoping for that change, Larry. That new, fresh, transparent, no lobbyist, thing we heard about a year ago. Any day now? Another couple of trillion-dollar bills and then we'll give it a try? Or same old same old, meet the new boss, same as the old boss crap, just a bit more Keystone Cop in the execution of it compared to the Republicans? The attention span of the average voter is growing shorter than the election cycles themselves. We're going to have to go to 6-month terms to accomodate it. Pelosi & Reid are a catastrophe, and they have sucked the life the life out of whatever chance Obama had to do whatever it was he planned to do. Which I am sure was, at the outset, something.

#21 | Posted by NappyHeadedHo at 2009-11-03 10:09 PM | Reply | Flag:

Yeehaw!! AP just declared Christie the new Gov of New Jersey!!! YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! Thank God people are finally wising up to the jerkoff Democrooks.

#22 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 10:09 PM | Reply | Flag:

www.courierpostonline.com

#23 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 10:10 PM | Reply | Flag:

Local elections. So what? Obama has 57% approval in NJ. Not about him no matter what you say. lol

#24 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 10:11 PM | Reply | Flag:

Obama REALLY threw his weight around here in NJ, and everyone except Bon Jovi got sick of his tired ass. Way to use that influence, Barry! Just like the Chicago Olympics. LOL. Hahahaha!

#25 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 10:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

Mr. Offensive is just mad he live in a dump in Camden.

#26 | Posted by jackass at 2009-11-03 10:14 PM | Reply | Flag:

Saddled by tanking poll numbers and the poor economy, Corzine brought in the party's heavyweight champions President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden to rustle up some excitement among voters and re-energize the base.

www.nbcnewyork.com

#27 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 10:14 PM | Reply | Flag:

CORZINE: Hold Me Accountable

We just did.

#28 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 10:17 PM | Reply | Flag:

Mr. Offensive is just mad he live in a dump in Camden.

#26 | Posted by jackass

I thought he had a really nice beach house down in Cape May.

#29 | Posted by American1st at 2009-11-03 10:18 PM | Reply | Flag:

JA..it's settled...Jason's going against Bonningson for the Amatuer title in Dec.

#30 | Posted by American1st at 2009-11-03 10:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

#24---- mostly true, timex, but it will probably be that way in 2012. The big thing was jobs and lest the Obama administration makes a huge U-turn in policy he's in big trouble in 2012. By that time the odds are we'll be back in recession unless they keep throwing stimulus money at it until that time.

#31 | Posted by matsop at 2009-11-03 10:21 PM | Reply | Flag:

All your Govenors are belong to us.

#32 | Posted by tontonmacoute at 2009-11-03 10:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

New Jersey is huge and should send a shiver through blue dog democrats.

#33 | Posted by matsop at 2009-11-03 10:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

Local elections. So what?
#24 | Posted by Timex

It matters, Timex. That's why Obama put the miles into campaigning for these guys. The tally of governor seats matters because the Dem Congress wants to hand the stacks of whatever cash goes to the states to a "friendly". Pleosi and Reid hate the thought of having some Republican use the money for programs that don't fit with the program, same as a Repubican WH/Congress would shudder to think of handing cash to, say, Deval Patrick in Mass. (who, in terms of his governance ability, is pretty much universally agreed among Mass. residents to suck dead donkey dicks, in case you want to know). Don't kid yourself. Losing a state matters to either party big time.

Oh, yeah, almost forgot to mention it: Jeb Bush was governor of Florida in 2000.

It matters.

#34 | Posted by NappyHeadedHo at 2009-11-03 10:29 PM | Reply | Flag:

Hey Barry, your community is looking very disorganized.

#35 | Posted by zulu at 2009-11-03 10:40 PM | Reply | Flag:

Oh, no, HopeyChangey, I think Larry is very clearly liberal and very clearly in favor of no more Republicans in positions of power. Not to speak for Larry.

And Cookfish, I don't understand your comment. Isn't Kansas flyover country? Don't the Republicans say that flyover country is where the real Americans (Republicans/conservatives) are found?

Posted by pragmatist at 2009-11-03 10:04 PM | Reply

You know if conservatives were worth a lick I might vote for them. I live in Kansas after all Conservative mecca. I just find many of the supposed Conservative ideas distasteful to Me. But what can You do. I just vote for the best person I think is going to do good for the area that they are applying for employment at. Just sucks when we regress instead of progress forwards.

Larry

#36 | Posted by LarryMohr at 2009-11-03 10:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

#17 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 09:58 PM | Reply | Flag: Flag: (Choose)
FunnyNewsworthyOffensiveAbusiv
e

Hey now don't be bagging on Kansas and our silos. We feed Your ass cookfish. Don't forget that. 2nd longest grain elevator in the world is in My hometown. The longest with a singular headhouse.

Larry

#37 | Posted by LarryMohr at 2009-11-03 10:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

Yes, Zulu @ #35. Apparently the trucks that ACORN rented to carry the cartons of Newports and Kools to Trenton and Newark, in order to bribe the hobos for their multiple votes, got stuck on the Jersey Turnpike in some stimulus plan construction project, and didn't make it in time to swing things in Corzine's favor. Very sad.

#38 | Posted by NappyHeadedHo at 2009-11-03 10:46 PM | Reply | Flag:

Can't you feel it starting to slip slide away for the Democrats? Say what you want, but Barry put a lot of time & money into these races, especially in NJ, where him and dum dum Biden were seen constantly talking up their boy Corzine. Now Reid just announced that he doesn't have the votes for the Health Care fiasco, and THAT will have to pour over into election year 2010, where a lot of these Dems are going to remember this election when they vote on this and the cap and tax nonsense. Get your umbrella, Bammy. It looks like rain.........

#39 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 10:53 PM | Reply | Flag:

The real test of whether Obama is liked natioally will be a year from now. Local and state elections historically don't say much about federal level politics.

But if the Messiah doesn't do something positive soon, 2010 will see the pendulum beginning its swing to the right.

#40 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-03 10:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

The Dems have lost the Indepedents, who know weak do-nothing pieces of crap like Corzine & Obama when they see 'em.

#41 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 10:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

Goatman, The Corzine campaign basically was being run by the White House, who lost a lot of face with this as well.

#42 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 10:57 PM | Reply | Flag:

It's funny listening to Keith Olbermann tonight, he's melting down. The Dems are spinning as hard as they can but one thing is clear - Obama is the kiss of political death.

Blue Dogs run hard to the right or die!

Our Dear President has the smell of stinking rotting meat, roadkill that he is.

It's going to be fun to watch the Democrats distance themselves from the attempt to socialize the health care system and keep their pathetic needy constituents at bay.

Happy Days are Here Again!

#43 | Posted by zulu at 2009-11-03 11:00 PM | Reply | Flag:

If my memory serves me correctly, this is usually where the Democrats start throwing each other under the bus in an attempt to save their own asses.

#44 | Posted by PublicTrough at 2009-11-03 11:01 PM | Reply | Flag:

say good bye Corzine

#45 | Posted by realplus5 at 2009-11-03 11:03 PM | Reply | Flag:

Big night for the people that are being ignored.

#46 | Posted by Mato at 2009-11-03 11:06 PM | Reply | Flag:

Goatman, The Corzine campaign basically was being run by the White House, who lost a lot of face with this as well.

You are right, but even Gov contests aren't really indicative of national politics. Next year will swing the pendulum, however, unless the Messiah pulls some big time rabbits out of his hat

#47 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-03 11:07 PM | Reply | Flag:

I hope that historians look back and conclude that November 3, 2009 was the day Obamacare (and Cap and Tax, and Card Check) died.

What a great night!

If Blue Dogs want to remain in office, I would suggest to them that they think long and hard before voting for Obamacare, crap and tax and card check.

#48 | Posted by member2586 at 2009-11-03 11:08 PM | Reply | Flag:

O'Loudmouth campaigned so hard for the dirty-rat Craig Dirty deeds, HA,HA,HA O'Loudmouth and dirty Deeds lost, I am so thrilled, words just cannot explain, eat my shorts Democrats.
O'Loudmouth is going to cause the Dirty-rats to lose next election also, and I can't wait to see him go...

#49 | Posted by Dr_Feelgood at 2009-11-03 11:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Corzine outspent Christie 3:1. Barry was pimping his ass nonstop for the last two weeks.

The people spoke.

#50 | Posted by Mato at 2009-11-03 11:12 PM | Reply | Flag:

Who was popular Democrat Governor of VA who'd have won by a landslide if he'd run?
Tim Kaine - who became head of the DNC after last year's landslide victories.

Owens (D) is winning in heavily Republican NY-23, who haven't elected a Dem since the 1800's. Thanks Sarah! On to Florida to get Rubio through the Primary and onto defeat!

71 percent reporting

N.Y. District 23

Candidate Party Votes Pct.
Bill Owens Dem. 50,712 49.1%
Doug Hoffman Con. 46,746 45.2
Dede Scozzafava Rep. 5,898 5.7

Cool! ANOTHER Dem seat in the House looks like ...

Go Sarah Go!

#51 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 11:13 PM | Reply | Flag:

The pimp bus has a flat tire

#52 | Posted by realplus5 at 2009-11-03 11:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

The critical issue in the 2010 elections is going to be jobs and there won't be a lot of improvement-- normally, the party out of power does well in off year elections and if jobs are still an issue in 2010 the transition will be huge-- the good out of that is that Washington will be forced into finally working together.

#53 | Posted by matsop at 2009-11-03 11:15 PM | Reply | Flag:

The White House invested heavily in the New Jersey contest, a tacit acknowledgment that a defeat for Mr. Corzine would be interpreted as a rebuke of Mr. Obama, potentially affecting the president's ability to pass major legislation and the public's perceptions of the Democratic influence.

www.nytimes.com

#54 | Posted by cookfish at 2009-11-03 11:23 PM | Reply | Flag:

no worries about that, unemployment figures for this
week are concensus 9.9%, Briefing.com 10.0%, prior
actual was 9.8%, that will be out Friday 08:30 AM

#55 | Posted by realplus5 at 2009-11-03 11:26 PM | Reply | Flag:

Corzine's been very unpopular in NJ a long time. He lost. Big deal. President Obama has 57% approval there. Pollsters all report voters did not consider either race (VA and NJ) as a referendum on President Obama no matter how the right wants to spin it.

VA would still be Dem if Tim Kaine hadn't been asked to head up the DNC after last year's landslides. VA and NJ governors don't have any effect on my life. Congress and the WH do.

Looks like the Dems could win NY-23, which has been GOP since the 1800's, and where Sarah Palin trashed her own party's candidate for some lunatic carpetbagger who doesn't even live in the district. I hope, hope, hope she'll come out heavy for Mark Rubio in FL, who's way too loony to be elected to the Senate.

77% reporting N.Y. District 23

Bill Owens Dem. 54,415 48.9%
Doug Hoffman Con. 50,704 45.6
Dede Scozzafava Rep. 6,051 5.4

#56 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 11:36 PM | Reply | Flag:

With 84% Reporting pretty much over:

N.Y. District 23
Candidate Party Votes Pct.
Bill Owens Dem. 57,854 49.2%
Doug Hoffman Con. 53,603 45.5
Dede Scozzafava Rep. 6,241 5.3

Special thanks to Sarah Palin!! You go girl!!

Now, Sarah, on to Florida to defeat moderate Charlie Crist and lose the FL Senate race for the GOP!

#57 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 11:42 PM | Reply | Flag:

Local elections. So what? Obama has 57% approval in NJ. Not about him no matter what you say. lol

#24 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 10:11 PM

Not everything's about Obama.

The political land scape could be very different in an Obama 2nd term. He may have a larger group of republicans to deal with.

If the 90s are any indicator, a Dem president with Repubs to temper him may not be such a bad thing.

#58 | Posted by LIVE_OR_DIE at 2009-11-03 11:44 PM | Reply | Flag:

If the 90s are any indicator, a Dem president with Repubs to temper him may not be such a bad thing.

My ideal political split (excuse me for those who have heard it before) is a House of one party and the president of another and the Senate within 3 votes (no more 47/50) of being even.

#59 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-03 11:47 PM | Reply | Flag:

Owens (D) is winning in heavily Republican NY-23, who haven't elected a Dem since the 1800's.

#51 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 11:13 PM

Anywhere where the republican suspends their campaign would likely go democrat, regardless of historical trends.

#60 | Posted by LIVE_OR_DIE at 2009-11-03 11:47 PM | Reply | Flag:

All your Govenors are belong to us.

What the fuck does that mean?

Jesus Christ, it sounds like what one of Barry's Kenyan uncles might say.

#61 | Posted by Lee_Atwater at 2009-11-03 11:49 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Tonight's Hilarious Media Lie o' the Day"

"Axelrod, Emanuel and Obama not watching election results?"

directorblue.blogspot.com

The pictures are worth a thousand words.

#62 | Posted by KBM at 2009-11-03 11:50 PM | Reply | Flag:

Jesus Christ, it sounds like what one of Barry's Kenyan uncles might say.

Or dethspud

#63 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-03 11:51 PM | Reply | Flag:

Live Or Die

The political landscape will probably be different. Demographics alone require that thought. The fastest growing segments of the electorate - younger and Hispanic - are voting heavily Democrat. The economic recovery will most likely make progress in the next year, so I wouldn't expect anything like what happened in 1994. Besides, we know what the GOP actually did once they got in power. Rhetoric alone isn't going to cut it. Going so far right an being the 'party of NO!' is only going to hurt the GOP.

Unfortunately, Republicans have been shutting out moderates and have slipping party ID's. Best thing they could do is shut up Palin and rethink this exclusionary move to the right. It's killing them. They may pick up a few seats in the House in 2010, but the Dems have such a large majority that it probably won't make much difference.

If Palin does the same thing in Florida she did in NY-23 and Rubio becomes the GOP nominee for Senate rather than Crist I'd say you can kiss that one goodbye too.

Owens (D) looks like he'll be the first Dem to win NY-23 since the 1800's thanks to the lunatic fringe who've taken over the GOP. It's really sad to witness.

#64 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 11:54 PM | Reply | Flag:

"Anywhere where the republican suspends their campaign"

Except the Republican "heavyweights" forced said suspension.

The tent was just too small.

#65 | Posted by Danforth at 2009-11-03 11:55 PM | Reply | Flag:

There is to say - hopey-dopey-changy just ain't doing it anymore - we're just not into something we cannot see.

Fool U.S. once...

Fool U.S. twice...

My question now is: Will snowjobama now leave campaign mode and get to running the nation?

Stay tuned!

#66 | Posted by nanc at 2009-11-04 12:02 AM | Reply | Flag:

Never trust someone with the last name that looks like Thorazine??

#67 | Posted by LarryMohr at 2009-11-04 12:03 AM | Reply | Flag:

Never trust someone with the last name that looks like Thorazine??

#3 | Posted by LarryMohr

Funny! Christie reminds me of Bobby from The Sopranos.

#68 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 12:19 AM | Reply | Flag:

Hoffman just conceded NY-23

Special thanks (for losing a seat held by the GOP since the 1800's) go to:

Tim Pawlenty
Sarah Palin
Glenn Beck

On to Florida to demean Charlie Crist, the best shot the GOP have for the open Senate seat in 2010...

#69 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 12:35 AM | Reply | Flag:

So a Dem and moderate Republicans win. Good news for the not-totally batshit crazy Republicans and so-so for the Dems.

Bad news for the "conservatives" and Fred and SARAH!!

Bad news is its good for the Newtster.

Corzine was a surprise. I guess the mafia hasn't seen enough stimulus money yet.

#70 | Posted by northguy3 at 2009-11-04 12:37 AM | Reply | Flag:

Live Or Die

The political landscape will probably be different. Demographics alone require that thought. The fastest growing segments of the electorate - younger and Hispanic - are voting heavily Democrat. The economic recovery will most likely make progress in the next year, so I wouldn't expect anything like what happened in 1994. Besides, we know what the GOP actually did once they got in power. Rhetoric alone isn't going to cut it. Going so far right an being the 'party of NO!' is only going to hurt the GOP.

Unfortunately, Republicans have been shutting out moderates and have slipping party ID's. Best thing they could do is shut up Palin and rethink this exclusionary move to the right. It's killing them. They may pick up a few seats in the House in 2010, but the Dems have such a large majority that it probably won't make much difference.

If Palin does the same thing in Florida she did in NY-23 and Rubio becomes the GOP nominee for Senate rather than Crist I'd say you can kiss that one goodbye too.

Owens (D) looks like he'll be the first Dem to win NY-23 since the 1800's thanks to the lunatic fringe who've taken over the GOP. It's really sad to witness.

#63 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 11:54 PM

I agree that republicans shutting out moderates is going to bite them in the ass. Something the leadership is going to have to deal with. And I think that's bad for the country, that moderates are only really welcome in 1 of the two parties.

I think, if these elections are any indicator, the land scape is going to look different come '10 or '12 because independants seem to be flip flopping. Not surprising, and not an indictment of Obama by any means.

Long term, repubs need to deal with younger and minority (soon to be majority?) voters. Agreed.

Palin is obviously the fuck up here, if anyone is. Not rooting for the GOP, just moderate conservatives, who she threw under the bus.

#71 | Posted by LIVE_OR_DIE at 2009-11-04 01:00 AM | Reply | Flag:

Except the Republican "heavyweights" forced said suspension.

The tent was just too small.

#64 | Posted by Danforth at 2009-11-03 11:55 PM

I know.

Thought Timex was making a different point than he was.

My bad.

#72 | Posted by LIVE_OR_DIE at 2009-11-04 01:01 AM | Reply | Flag:

Well, that didn't take long.

#73 | Posted by rightisright at 2009-11-04 01:21 AM | Reply | Flag:

#67 | Posted by LIVE_OR_DIE

It's gonna be hard to undo 15 years of hard swings to the right and wedge-issue-only campaigns for the GOP. As you agreed, most of the electorate is moderate. This can only hurt the GOP in the long term. The defeat of Hoffman in NY-23 said a lot about how even Republicans feel there, it being a historically Republican district that had been GOP since the 1800's.

McDonnell and Christie will most likely govern from the center - where they ran. Statewide races can be won by moderate Republicans, but if the GOP continues down this road of "No Moderates Need Apply" for their national candidates they can only expect to win in the reddest of districts.

#74 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 02:04 AM | Reply | Flag:

It's gonna be hard to undo 15 years of hard swings to the right and wedge-issue-only campaigns for the GOP.

All else being equal, this is true. But if the democrats don't get their shit together, it won't be so hard for the republicans.

#75 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-04 02:08 AM | Reply | Flag:

Goatman

The saying "It's the economy, stupid" is the key IMO. Voters are not discontent right now because of policies, they're frustrated by a bad economy - that's slowly turning around in the right direction. Bush 41 lost because of a recession.

Reagan also had to deal with an economy in the tank. He was down to 35% approval not so many months before his 1984 reelection. The economy started turning around and he won big. Ideology had little to do with it. Reagan had the same ideology at 35% approval that he had at 55%.

#76 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 02:17 AM | Reply | Flag:

It was more than ideology with Reagan (my vote for him is proof aamof) He made people feel good about being an american. He was a good communicator.

Sure, there are blind partisans who ignore these things, but there are a lot of people like me to whom they mean more than party affiliation

#77 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-04 02:21 AM | Reply | Flag:

"It was more than ideology with Reagan (my vote for him is proof aamof) He made people feel good about being an american. He was a good communicator. "

No disputing that. But, even that wasn't enough to keep his approval ratings from sinking into the mid 30%'s before his reelection. To me it seems, all things being equal in post WW2, if the economy is doing well Presidents are usually reelected. If not, not so.

#78 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 02:35 AM | Reply | Flag:

The economy turned around before 1984 or he'd have been a 1 term President, good communication skills or not... IMO

#79 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 02:37 AM | Reply | Flag:

The economy is definitely a biggy. It is the one thing that touches everyone.

#80 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-04 02:44 AM | Reply | Flag:

Goatman

This is a graph of Ronald Reagan's approval ratings throughout his Presidency.

www.speculativebubble.com

As you can see, in 1983, a year before his reelection, his approval rating (according to Gallup and not this graph) was 35% in 1983. The economy turned around and so he was reelected. If not, 1 term would have probably been it.

#81 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 02:51 AM | Reply | Flag:

Yep, I've seen it. But as I've heard many dems saying for almost exactly a year now, the only poll that matters is the one in November.

#82 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-04 02:53 AM | Reply | Flag:

True

As a "non-partisan" (yuck*yuck*guffaw*cough) what do Republicans say?

#83 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 02:54 AM | Reply | Flag:

As a "non-partisan" (yuck*yuck*guffaw*cough) what do Republicans say?

I'll ask one next time I get to the rig. I am surrounded by them there.

#84 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-04 02:57 AM | Reply | Flag:

It's refreshing to have a 'non-partisan' (cough*cough*hack*laugh) such as yourself around. lol

#85 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 03:01 AM | Reply | Flag:

It's refreshing to have a 'non-partisan' (cough*cough*hack*laugh) such as yourself around.

There are a lot of us. We are the ones the politicians court. The mindless partisans are taken for granted (as they should be, they are worthless) by politicians.

#86 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-04 03:02 AM | Reply | Flag:

It's gonna be hard to undo 15 years of hard swings to the right and wedge-issue-only campaigns for the GOP. As you agreed, most of the electorate is moderate. This can only hurt the GOP in the long term. The defeat of Hoffman in NY-23 said a lot about how even Republicans feel there, it being a historically Republican district that had been GOP since the 1800's.

#70 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 02:04 AM

~45% voted for a right wing nut indie candidate.

~5% still voted for a moderate republican who suspended her campaign.

This district would have likely been solid republican had the Palin types not stepped in to shoot their own party in the foot.

Hard to tell if the "Palin types" are a passing fad or a major part of the GOP to come.

Previously, the GOP would nominate anyone or anything if they thought it could win.

#87 | Posted by LIVE_OR_DIE at 2009-11-04 03:03 AM | Reply | Flag:

#82 | Posted by goatman

Excuse me if I don't find your claim of being 'non-partisan' credible ... in light of your posts here anyway.

#88 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 03:11 AM | Reply | Flag:

Excuse me if I don't find your claim of being 'non-partisan' credible ... in light of your posts here anyway.

I know. It's a common mistake. Since I am pro abortion, anti prayer in school or public facilities, hate bush, against the war in Iraq, against the war on drugs, pro gay rights, a lot of people think I'm a liberal.

#89 | Posted by goatman at 2009-11-04 03:15 AM | Reply | Flag:

Look at that the other way... if the Republican party had picked someone less liberal than DeDe... perhaps they would have won?

I have probably moved to the right over the years... while the repub party moved left and the dem party has ran so far to the left that they are just a distant memory to anyone who thinks the constitution should have meaning.

I was going to hold my nose a year ago and vote for McCain... and I just couldn't. I would rather vote for a 3rd party that can't win than vote for the lesser of 2 evils.

If a candidate wants my vote, they are going to have to support the constitution. Dem, repub, whatever.

#90 | Posted by 1libertarian at 2009-11-04 03:38 AM | Reply | Flag:

Recent trends:

Since 1989, the party winning the White House has always gone on to lose the gubernatorial races in both states the following year.

#91 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-04 03:52 AM | Reply | Flag:

the old NJ flip-flop.
we vote in one governor, and since NJ doesn't somehow become a utopia overnight we vote them out in the next election. and then this utopia agin fails to appear, so we vote them out again and go with the other party. wtf? this shit has been going on for thirty years now. it's nothing new. i'm just hoping one of these times we switch en masse to a different party, or independent. dagget had a strong showing, which is a good sign, i guess. i've always had my doubts about independent candidates, because they have no one to answer to, as far as constituencies. but maybe it's the right way. maybe we should give one of the other parties a chance to clean up this shithole.
worst infrastructure in the entire country.

#92 | Posted by SammyV at 2009-11-04 03:55 AM | Reply | Flag:

Substantiate your claim that Bush is a racists and that IT IS his fault. If you cannot, then your comment is bullox.

#93 | Posted by fyremonte at 2009-11-04 06:13 AM | Reply | Flag:

Glad to be a Palin type, since Palin makes perfect sence in regards to the political arena and what this country needs.

#94 | Posted by fyremonte at 2009-11-04 06:15 AM | Reply | Flag:

"Glad to be a Palin type, since Palin makes perfect sence in regards to the political arena and what this country needs."

Translation:

"This country doesn't need a good five-cent cigar. Hell no, what this country needs is a quitter."

#95 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2009-11-04 06:19 AM | Reply | Flag:

Don't worry NJ. We didn't lose a governor, we just gained a TON!

I'm sorry. I know it is in bad taste but I could not resist.

#96 | Posted by schmanch at 2009-11-04 07:18 AM | Reply | Flag:

"and the dem party has ran so far to the left that they are just a distant memory to anyone who thinks the constitution should have meaning."

The party of FDR, Social Security, Medicare, child labor laws, minimum wage laws, 40 hour work week, etc. has moved to the left????
And pretending the Republicans have moved left???
Nonsense, under Eisenhower they allowed income tax rates in the 90% for highest income earners, many voted with Johnson on Medicare and they voted for Civil Rights. Today's Republicans are not so much to the right, they just pander to the right, what they really are is pro-corporation. Eisenhower would not be a Republican today. Neither would Goldwater.

#97 | Posted by danni at 2009-11-04 07:49 AM | Reply | Flag:

JA..it's settled...Jason's going against Bonningson for the Amatuer title in Dec.

#30 | POSTED BY AMERICAN1ST AT 2009-11-03 10:21 PM

Will it be on the web? I want to watch it.

#98 | Posted by jackass at 2009-11-04 08:54 AM | Reply | Flag:

Local elections. So what? Obama has 57% approval in NJ. Not about him no matter what you say. lol

#24 | Posted by Timex at 2009-11-03 10:11 PM | Reply | Flag

Exactly right. It is not about change or hope or any socialist agenda's being rammed down the taxpayers throat. Obama's victory was about him. Based on the minority turnout in yesterdays elections, it appears his victory was about the color of his skin.

#99 | Posted by slicksterWilly at 2009-11-04 09:09 AM | Reply | Flag:

it appears his victory was about the color of his skin.

#99 | Posted by slicksterWilly

I'm not going to debate that, but you know who's fault that is?
You can blame it on the oppressor when the oppressed will do anything for that tiny taste of freedom.

#100 | Posted by TFDNihilist at 2009-11-04 09:19 AM | Reply | Flag:

You can blame it on the oppressor when the oppressed will do anything for that tiny taste of freedom.

#100 | Posted by TFDNihilist at 2009-11-04 09:19 AM | Reply | Flag

I guess anyone who thinks a president or government will give them that "tiny taste of freedom" will continue to be suppressed. By the very people they think are "setting them free". Dependency == Suppression.

#101 | Posted by slicksterWilly at 2009-11-04 09:23 AM | Reply | Flag:

What you need to remember about 2008, there was 30 million likely voters that stayed home, and millions of unlikely voters that came out and voted.

That said 2010 should be interesting, because thoes likely voters turned out in yeasterday, and the unlikely voters stayed home.

#102 | Posted by 90c2cab at 2009-11-04 09:32 AM | Reply | Flag:

I guess anyone who thinks a president or government will give them that "tiny taste of freedom" will continue to be suppressed.

#101 | Posted by slicksterWilly

That's not what I said. What I was referring to was the fact that the opportunity to vote for a black man for president was something that most just couldn't pass up. No one I no ever realistically believed that they would have that chance in their lifetime. I believe that Colin Powell would have won if he had run for the same reason.
My main point is that Black Racism does exist, but it's main purpose is a defense mechanism against the atmosphere that existed throughout the vast majority of American history.

#103 | Posted by TFDNihilist at 2009-11-04 09:33 AM | Reply | Flag:

Sorry, I know that my "no" is known to really be "know".

#104 | Posted by TFDNihilist at 2009-11-04 09:34 AM | Reply | Flag:

It tells Me that this Country isn't ready to progress forward and that we are regressing as a Nation is all. It's sad but what can You do.

Tell me what is "progressive" about a bunch of democrats who oppose gay marriage and like to fire missiles at Pakistan and kill people. Is it because they want to give people free health insurance? Does that make you "progressive" when you are still pro-war and ignorant of the rights of others?

#105 | Posted by JOE at 2009-11-04 09:39 AM | Reply | Flag:

www.foxnews.com

Party by race McDonnell Deeds
White Democrats (19%) 9% 91%
White Independents (25%)70% 29%
White Republicans (34%) 97% 3%
All other (22%) 23% 76%

On most political matters, do you consider yourself: McDonnell Deeds
Liberal (18%) 9% 91%
Moderate (42%) 47% 53%
Conservative (40%) 91% 9%

Now which political party is turning away moderates and independents?

#106 | Posted by ABH at 2009-11-04 10:08 AM | Reply | Flag:

I am just shocked the GOP took NJ. It appears that Christie's margin of victory was fraud-proof. It's NJ we are talking about, I am sure there was plenty of voter fraud, and with all that, the GOP still won.

#107 | Posted by member2586 at 2009-11-04 10:40 AM | Reply | Flag:

Looks like the only Real Conservative that was in an election last night lost.

Is that about right? Lost a seat to a Dem that hasn't had a Dem in it in over 100 years?

Is that about right?

Looks like the Conservative movement took a big hit in NY. I thought you Conservatives were trying to gain seats?

What happened?

#108 | Posted by Manypaths at 2009-11-04 10:42 AM | Reply | Flag:

It is Liberals, not conservatives who are the realy 20 per centers. Let's see how the NJ and VA GOP wins affect the Blue Dogs.

#109 | Posted by member2586 at 2009-11-04 10:52 AM | Reply | Flag:

#109 | Posted by member2586 at 2009-11-04 10:52 AM

Well now that they have seen that Hussein can't save them I bet they are Really re-thinking about supporting obamacare or cap and trade.

#110 | Posted by 2008ATL at 2009-11-04 11:03 AM | Reply | Flag:

And crad chekc. Obama doesn't care if these Blue Dogs lose their seats or not. They figure than can still hold the House and Senate even if these Blue Dogs lose.

#111 | Posted by member2586 at 2009-11-04 11:09 AM | Reply | Flag:

What kind of Republican is Gov.-elect McDonnell?

#9 | Posted by pragmatist at

reportst that I saw said that he ran a compaign on economic issues and it was one that was conducted without the personal attacks and stuff. not being there of course I have to rely on those reports.
so if thats an indication, then he may be really good.

#112 | Posted by afkabl2 at 2009-11-04 11:24 AM | Reply | Flag:

It tells Me that this Country isn't ready to progress forward and that we are regressing as a Nation is all. It's sad but what can You do.

Larry

#12 | Posted by LarryMohr at 2009

TRANSLATION

"well shit..we just took a setback on our destruction of american societal values and the destruction of our economic system so liberal democrats can run EVERYTHING since the people in these states are just too god damned stupid to know whats best for them, BUT we do."

#113 | Posted by afkabl2 at 2009-11-04 11:26 AM | Reply | Flag:

Watch Obama's tired ol ass come out and do the cliche "FIRED UP!, READY TO GO!" and "I'M JUST GETTING STARTED!"
What a loser. What a joke. Keep doing just what your doing Obama, you're doing just fine! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

#114 | Posted by outbacker at 2009-11-04 11:38 AM | Reply | Flag:

dems on tv and such refuse to even acknowledge that by obama spending so much time in jersey that he set himslef up to be the object of so much of this talk about what it means.

this was a sign of people wanting smaller govt, not larger.

VIVA LA RE'VOLUTION'

#115 | Posted by afkabl2 at 2009-11-04 11:45 AM | Reply | Flag:

"As Was Feared: Absentee Voter Fraud is Realized In NJ Governor's Race"

"Throughout the morning, EJ has received tips regarding voters who have shown up to the polls today, to find that someone has already cast their ballot through the absentee process."

nicedeb.wordpress.com

#116 | Posted by KBM at 2009-11-04 11:47 AM | Reply | Flag:

no surprise there kb

BUT THIS MAY BE

COMING TO A BLOG NEAR YOU

my "ace investigation staff' has uncovered some interesting news.

michele obama

when she married barry, the ARDC put her on a
"court ordered inactive status'

will a lawyer in the room tell us a little more about what that means...

#117 | Posted by afkabl2 at 2009-11-04 11:58 AM | Reply | Flag:

This is a referendum against Marxism. Obama sucks!

#118 | Posted by tennisnut at 2009-11-04 12:20 PM | Reply | Flag:

Interesting. After a year of drudge righties' fervent denials that they were Republicans, but "conservatives", they are suddenly cheering moderate GOPper wins and ignoring the Conservative Party's loss of a historic rightwing seat.

Just proves my point that "conservatives" are just embarrassed Republicans.
now we'll continue to enjoy the GOP continue its civil war.

#119 | Posted by northguy3 at 2009-11-04 12:59 PM | Reply | Flag:

There's a new T.V. show coming called V. It's about the arrival of Aliens with the leader being very telegenic, articulate with a beautiful smile and she tells earthlings they're there to give them "universal health care." Of course there are those that are easily taken in and others that don't want to accept it without wanting to know more-- you can imagine the deep -- they're in.

#120 | Posted by matsop at 2009-11-04 10:02 PM | Reply | Flag:

matsop..I saw that clip on hannity....
remember that through history..
art has foreshadowed history.

#121 | Posted by afkabl2 at 2009-11-05 11:20 AM | Reply | Flag:

NORTHGUy

you and manypaths and others..

keep that thought and you can wrap it around yourself on wednesday the 3rd of november..2010.

the FACT is...at the moment a conservative certainly would not vote for any democrat because that would sell out thier conservative values which dems lecture us about but then refuse to even consider the same when it applies to them
the reason?

easy.....when moderate republicans run, dems win

#122 | Posted by afkabl2 at 2009-11-05 11:22 AM | Reply | Flag:

Obama is the kiss of political death. -- #43 | Posted by zulu

Nah. Howard Dean is the kiss of death. Under his leadership, the Democratic Party gave up their bread and butter issues in favor of vague rhetoric and a rock star. Shouldn't be any surprise that the one-timers who showed up for Obama remain as apolitical as they were before his election.

#123 | Posted by Phoenix at 2009-11-05 05:14 PM | Reply | Flag: